Symptoms and Warning Signs of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia
ALL progresses rapidly, and symptoms usually appear suddenly over days or weeks. They reflect the disruption of normal blood cell production in the bone marrow.
Common Symptoms
- Fatigue and weakness (from anaemia)
- Frequent infections (from low white cell count)
- Easy bruising or bleeding (due to low platelets)
- Pale skin
- Bone or joint pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever and night sweats
- Enlarged liver or spleen
- Unexplained weight loss
- Shortness of breath
In children, these symptoms may be mistaken for common illnesses like flu or growing pains, delaying diagnosis. In South African clinics, where resources are stretched, simple blood tests such as a full blood count (FBC) can provide the first clue.
Emergency Symptoms
- Bleeding gums or nosebleeds
- Very high fevers
- Confusion or seizures (if the leukaemia affects the brain or spinal fluid)
Any combination of persistent fatigue, infections, and bruising in a child or adult should prompt urgent medical attention.
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